Flexible Polymers

3D Printing Elastomers - TPU for SLS 3D Printer

Materials of the TPE polymer class have similar properties to elastomers – this means that they are flexible at room temperature but still remain dimensionally stable. When heated, they can be plastically deformed and processed like thermoplastics. Since they are easy to process, they can be used to replace cross-linked elastomers and soft PVC. 

Fields of Application

TPEs can for example be used to make damping elements, bumpers, bellows, soles, handles and hoses.

eos-tpu-1301
tpu helmet foam on floor | © EOS
Slippers made of EOS TPU 1301 material | © EOS
Powdered polymer material | © EOS

Typical Part Properties

  • Tensile Modulus 60 MPa
  • Tensile Strength 7 MPa
  • Nominal Strain at Break 250 %
  • Rebound Resilience 62 %
  • Density 1.11 g/cm³

EOS TPU 1301

The parts made from this white material are extremely hydrolysis-resistant, with high resilience and good tribological properties. The part design influences the degree of flexibility of the parts purposeful.

Highlights

  • Great resilience
  • Good hydrolysis resistance
  • High UV-stability
  • Very good shock absorption
  • Shore hardness 86 A
  • Low refresh rate
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Typical Applications

  • Footwear & lifestyle parts that demand elastomeric properties, e. g. handles, shoe soles
  • Automotive & industry parts, e.g. tubes, bellows, seals, gaskets
  • Protective sports gear, e.g. helmet cushioning
  • Applications usually made from foam can be replaced by lattice structures in EOS TPU 1301

Compatible Printers

Global Take-back Program for Used Polymer Materials & Parts

The VIRTUCYCLE® program globally takes back used polymer material and 3D printed parts, using 100 % renewable energy to transform powder into recycled high-performance injection molding granules & extrusion products. EOS carried out a Life Cycle Analysis, critically reviewed by TÜV Süd, which confirmed that 1 kg of polymer material converted into 0,945 kg granules saves up to 7 kg of CO2e compared to the raw material, in order to verify the positive environmental impact.

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Polymer part and powder heap | © EOS

Germany-centered Take-back Program for Used Polymer Materials & Parts

KaJo Plastic GmbH & Co. KG takes back even small quantities of used polymer material and 3D printed parts, transforming powder into recycled injection molding granules and more. KaJo Plastic GmbH & Co. KG serves customers in Germany and surrounding countries, e.g., Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria or France.